Kindergarten Parent Survey 2018 Highlights

The Kindergarten Parent Survey (KPS) is completed every three years and asks Halton families of children in kindergarten about their experiences. In this 6th cycle, 2681 parents participated, a response rate of 44%. Since 2003, 14,717 families have participated in the survey.

Good health is a prerequisite for positive outcomes for children. Physical activity, healthy body weight and healthy eating are included in this result.

39%

of kindergarten children were physically active for 60 minutes daily

32%

were overweight or obese

77%

ate fruits and vegetables 3 or more times a day

94%

ate breakfast daily

Children are Learning

Learning is one of the cornerstones for success in life. Preschool learning opportunities and school engagement are included in this result.

33%

attended a children's program in the past 12 months

86%

attended a library program in the past 12 months

42%

attended a religious or ethnic based program in the past 12 months

49%

attended a Music/arts/dance program in the past 12 months

94%

attended a recreational program in the past 12 months

73%

of parents of kindergarten children report that their child has a high level of kindergarten engagement

Children are Positively Connected

All children need positive connections to their parents/caregivers, peers, school and community. Peer connections are included in this result.

98%

of parents of kindergarten children report that their child gets along with others his/her own age

Children are Safe

Safe environments benefit children by providing a sense of personal security, allowing them to take maximum advantage of learning, playing and making new friendships. Serious injury and safety from harm are included in this result.

10%

of kindergarten children were seriously injured in the past 12 months

97%

of parents of kindergarten children report that their child feels safe at school

Families are Strong and Stable

Strong and stable family and child care environments provide a solid foundation and stimulating, interactive experiences to nurture a child's positive development. Child care capacity, and parenting capacity and support are reported in this result.

74%

of kindergarten children received child care on a regular basis

77%

of families had regular family meals

75%

of parents experienced high levels of parenting support

69%

of parents of kindergarten children took time out to care for their own health and well-being

60%

of parents of kindergarten children experienced high levels of parental confidence

15%

of parents of kindergarten children experienced high levels of parental stress

41%

of parents of kindergarten children experienced high levels of time stress

Schools are Connected to the Community

Children spend a great deal of their time learning in schools. How schools connect to their communities are important. Caring school climate is reported in this result.

60%

of parents of kindergarten children report that their child's school has a caring climate

Neighbourhoods are Where We Live, Work, & Play

Children thrive in neighbourhoods that are safe and connected. Neighbourhood safety is reported in this result.

98%

of parents of kindergarten children felt their neighbourhood is a safe place to bring up children

Halton Region, Ontario – Thousands of parents of Halton kindergarten students have spoken, providing new insight into the health, wellbeing, and experiences of local families with young children. Read the full news release.